Trying to do research. It seems like trailers with decent LQ (not a “weekender”) are incredibly expensive – even older used ones. So I have started to research Class B motorhomes that can pull a 2/3 horse trailer with 1/2 horses.
I have Googled “Class B” and have seen some old (1988 and 1992) Class B for $10k - $15k. Since I already have a bumper pull trailer, this seems to be the cheapest option, but would I be happy with it?
Does anyone have experience with one v. the other?
Not exactly, but I grew up with a pickup/camper pulling a 4h bumper pull. Now I have a 4h LQ. Both work just fine for our needs. The pickup/camper combo was probably easier to get around (I wasn’t driving!), but I really don’t have trouble getting my big trailer in and out of anywhere. I think cost-wise you are better off keeping what you have an getting the MH.
I have had both. My next purchase will be a motor home. Main reason is I hate the tin can hot houses that are most horse areas in trailers with living quarters. I love my stock that stays cool in the summer.
One difference to consider is that if you’re at a show grounds for a week, you can unhook your truck and drive it to a restaurant or the supermarket. Driving your motorhome to the supermarket or a restaurant is a much bigger deal. If you will always be going off site with friends who have more wieldy vehicles, then no problem!
If you want a real LQ (not a “weekender”) then you don’t want a Class B motorhome. They are not much more than full sized vans with some amenities.
A class C, on the other hand, is a real living quarters vehicle. A class A even more so.
All motorhomes have to be carefully evaluated as tow vehicles. A class A with a big diesel might do just fine; a small diesel or gasser is another issue. The class B and C vehicles would have to be approached very carefully as two quite different classes of vehicle. Depending on chassis and engine combination you may or may not have a safe vehicle to tow 6000-8000 pounds of horses. You would have to watch that GCVWR number with extreme care.
The pickup-trailer combination is the dominant equine hauling type as it has the optimal combination of utility for multiple tasks. It’s why you don’t see very many horse vans or motorhomes with internal stalls in the U.S. While those do exist they are oddities.
Depending on what you want and how you define “expensive” the LQ horsetrailer will still likely provide the best combination of value and utility.
G.
I prefer the motorhome. Once you get it set up to tow it is easy to hitch. Make sure the brake controller is properly installed. I love going places in my friends mh, whoever isn’t driving can get up and make lunch, get drinks, etc while traveling down the road. Her trailer is a 3-horse slant. She only hauls her own horse or both of ours with food and gear for three days.
We bring our bikes if we want to get out and about. Or there is usually someone to catch a ride to dinner or the store. Can’t say enough times I much I love the mh. Plus they use it for family outings. Hers easily sleeps four people.
Gestalt,
What you do is what I want to do. But when you say “motorhome” what class of motorhome are you talking about. I could be very happy in a Class C, but they are quite big and long ---- the trailer would be a long way from the driver’s seat. What about turning corners when pulling a 3 horse slant load, when you are sitting in a 22’ - 25’ Class C MH?
I have pulled both 20’ horse trailer and a 30’ camper behind my pickup, but the hitch is only about 12+ feet behind me. I am intimidated by the idea of having the hitch 25’ behind me. How much harder is it?
Also, do you have an idea of what shows charge for nightly or weekly hookups? I am assuming that it is about $30 - $40/night. Am I in the ballpark?
If I trailer my horse and stay in my MH, then I can save a ton of money by not using hotels, not having to eat out, not paying for dog sitter or kennel, not paying for vanning and not paying for day care when my horse is just sitting around, on days when he is not showing.
And if I buy a used MH, the major depreciation has already happened, so I should be able to recoup most of my $$ in several years when I sell it. Right? 
A class C that is 22 - 24 ft long really isn’t that much bigger than a full size pickup, I think they are standard at 18 ft. Once you got used to it I think you will be just fine. Seriously, look at the sizes of some of the rigs on the road, they are looooong! My friends is a 26 (I believe or a 27) and she tows a 3 horse slant w/front tack room. The only time I kind of freaked out was going into a service station for fuel and the wonky driveway felt like I cracked the hitch.
Hook ups at the clinics have been free (no sewer or electric just water), but at the fairgrounds it is normally $17 - 22 per night. I imagine other places that are nicer would be closer to $30 or more. You’ll be sleeping in your own bed and you are closer to your horse. Win!!
May I ask what you decided? LQ or MH?!
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